Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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321282 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Vivienne Dempsey Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a registered childminder since 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 22 and 14 in a semi-detached house in the Woodthorpe area of York. The house is situated within easy reach of the local primary school, toddler group and playgroup. Minded children have access to all of the ground floor of the house with sleep facilities provided within this area. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden at the rear of the house and a covered car-port to the side for outdoor play with equipment for outdoor use.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network, regularly takes the children to the local childminder group meetings and makes use of the local toddler group with the younger children. She is currently caring for two children, both are under five years of age. All attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and orderly environment. They are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective routines. They independently wash their own hands before eating and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and can administer first aid in the event of an accident. She has requested parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and maintains clear, appropriate records for accidents and the administration of medicine.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle and a range of outside activities. These contribute to their health and physical development. The children enjoy playing in the childminder's garden where they run around and have fun in the fresh air. They regularly visit the local park and soft play areas. This helps children acquire the skills they need to control their bodies appropriately. Presently parents provide children's meals and the childminder provides a range of healthy snacks and drinks. For example, children enjoy eating oranges and raisins at snack time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home that offers a relaxed, welcoming environment that is suitable for young children. There is plenty of clear space both indoors and outside. This means that children move around freely and independently and select their favourite toy or resource. Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources that are appropriate for their age. These include a range of dolls, a selection of shape sorters and good range of books.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder is aware of potential risks and has implemented a range of safety measures to protect children from harm. These include a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and socket covers. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure in place which is regularly practised with the children. This develops children's awareness of safety in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder who has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. The childminder is fully aware of the procedures to follow if she had concerns about a child in her care. However, the child protection policy does not include procedures to follow in the event of allegations being made whilst children are in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very relaxed as they play in the childminder's home. They move around freely and independently in order to select, explore and play with a variety of resources. They enjoy many child-initiated activities and the childminder is on hand to help them when necessary. For example, they enjoy dressing and feeding the dolls, sorting and counting shapes and playing with the small world play house. The childminder is interested in and values what the children say and do. They enjoy their time in her care and form warm and caring relationships with her. The children are confident, happy and full of self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children show high levels of concentration and engage in chosen activities for long periods of time. This demonstrates that children are interested and motivated with the activities and resources the childminder provides. The childminder gives lots of encouragement and positive praise, which further develops children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. They have access to a good range of activities and resources that promotes children's awareness of diversity, such as, books, jigsaws, dolls and celebrating a range of festivals. The childminder is proactive in caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved, there is a behaviour policy in place and is shared with parents. The childminder works in close partnership with parents to ensure the individual needs of all children are met. Clear information regarding children's individual needs is gathered enabling the childminder to provide the appropriate care. Parents are asked to complete questionnaires about the service which she provides. She uses this information to develop her practice and outcomes for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and made very welcome in the childminder's home. Their care, learning and play are positively supported by the childminder, who ensures that children receive a good level of attention and supervision. The childminder ensures the required ratios are maintained, resulting in children's needs being met effectively. She has completed a first aid course to ensure children are not at risk should an accident occur. The childminder attends regular training and is committed to developing and improving the provision.

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Organisation

All records, policies and procedures are shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about the service provided for their children. These include written policies relating to areas such as behaviour management, child protection and complaints. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to consider enhancing the information file for parents by including written policies relating to areas such as behaviour management, child protection and complaints. These are now in place and available to parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the child protection policy includes procedures to follow if allegations are made while a child is in the care of the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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